Ahmedabad, Nov 9 (NationPress) - The Governor of Gujarat and Maharashtra, Acharya Devvrat, officially launched the Naturopathy Day Festival in Ahmedabad, initiating a nationwide celebration focused on yoga and natural healing practices that will last until November 18.

The festivities kicked off at the Sabarmati Riverfront with an impressive display where 685 individuals executed the 'Vrikshasana' (tree pose) simultaneously, applied facial mud packs, and participated in a communal sunbathing event, resulting in entries in both the IEA Book of World Records and the Asia Book of Records.

During the unveiling of the cut-outs for 'Naturopathy Day' and 'Prakritik Chikitsa Parv', Governor Devvrat highlighted the profound connection between nature and health.

"A healthy soul exists only within a healthy body," he remarked, encouraging the community to embrace natural living methods, such as yoga, pranayama, and balanced diets that resonate with nature’s rhythms.

Reflecting on the wisdom of ancient Indian sages, the Governor noted, "Our rishis coexisted with nature and bequeathed us the practices of yoga and pranayama. The further we stray from nature, the more we court suffering. It's time to revert to our origins."

Governor Devvrat pointed to the increasing incidence of lifestyle diseases, such as cancer, heart disease, and diabetes, attributing these trends to the decline of natural living and the rise of chemical farming.

He urged farmers to embrace natural farming techniques, stating, "Chemical farming has tainted our soil. We must revert to natural agriculture to protect both our health and the environment."

Praising Prime Minister Modi's initiatives through the Ministry of AYUSH and the National Mission on Natural Farming, he described them as steps toward rekindling India’s traditional wellness practices under the ethos of 'Virasat bhi, Vikas bhi' (heritage and progress).

The Chairman of the Gujarat State Yoga Board, Shishpal, commended the Governor for his unwavering support in promoting yoga, indigenous sciences, cow protection, and natural agriculture throughout the state.

He committed to advancing awareness about naturopathy and holistic well-being under the guidance of the Governor. Ahmedabad Mayor Pratibha Jain expressed gratitude to the organizers, emphasizing the Governor's invaluable support for Gujarat's farmers in natural farming.

She encouraged citizens to contribute to Atmanirbhar Bharat and the vision of a Developed India, resonating with the Prime Minister's message of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' - the world as one family.

Numerous workshops, seminars, and mass yoga sessions are scheduled nationwide from November 9 to 18 by various non-profit organizations in partnership with the Gujarat State Yog Board and the National Institute of Naturopathy (NIN) under the Ministry of AYUSH.

These programs include collective activities such as sunbathing, mud pack applications, and Vrikshasana, recognized by both Asian and global record institutions for their scale and participation.

The event also featured participation from Hemanshu Sharma of NIN, alongside yoga and naturopathy practitioners and students from local schools and colleges, who united to sing the Naturopathy Anthem in celebration of India’s ancient healing legacy.